SPECIAL GUESTS

Dr. Huw Lewis-Jones

Historian, author, ex-director Scott Polar Research Institute

Huw is a historian with a PhD from the University of Cambridge. He is the author of award-winning books, that have been published in 14 languages.

Huw was Curator at the Scott Polar Research Institute and the National Maritime Museum in London. He regularly appears on television and radio as a historian and cultural commentator, in the BBC documentaries Wilderness Explored, Of Ice and Men, Antarctica’s Forgotten Hero, Battle for the Himalayas, and most recently the PBS Nova special Franklin’s Lost Ships.

As an experienced polar guide Huw has wandered on both sides of Antarctica and in the Arctic.

Rates

Averaging 21 square metres/226 square feet, these staterooms have two twins and a comfortable sofa bed. The twins also convert to a King, if desired. Located on Oceanus Deck, these suites have a picture window, two wardrobes and en suite facilities. Amenities include: in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/VCR, individual temperature control, and hair dryer.

Averaging 23 square metres/248 square feet, Main Deck cabins are equipped with either two twins or a King Size bed. They are located on the Main Deck with a minimum of two portholes for exterior views. Amenities include: en suite facilities, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/VCR, individual temperature control and hair dryer.

Averaging 21 square metres/226 square feet, these cabins are located on the Oceanus Deck. They feature a picture window, two wardrobes and a choice of either two twin beds or a King Size bed. Amenities include: en suite facilities, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/VCR, individual temperature control and hair dryer.

Super-spacious (43 square metres/ 463 square feet) elegant suite on the Sun Deck. Designed forentertaining, the Owner's Suite has a separate living room with game and meeting area. A BOSE stereo system provides background music, or watch videos on the HD plasma TV. Sliding glass doors lead to a private deck. Refresh in the jetted bathtub in en suite facilities. Slumber in the King Size bed. A sofa bed can accommodate a third person.

Averaging 21 square metres/226 square feet, these staterooms have two twins and a comfortable sofa bed. The twins also convert to a King, if desired. Located on Oceanus Deck, these suites have a picture window, two wardrobes and en suite facilities. Amenities include: in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/VCR, individual temperature control, and hair dryer.

Averaging 23 square metres/248 square feet, Main Deck cabins are equipped with either two twins or a King Size bed. They are located on the Main Deck with a minimum of two portholes for exterior views. Amenities include: en suite facilities, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/VCR, individual temperature control and hair dryer.

Averaging 21 square metres/226 square feet, these cabins are located on the Oceanus Deck. They feature a picture window, two wardrobes and a choice of either two twin beds or a King Size bed. Amenities include: en suite facilities, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/VCR, individual temperature control and hair dryer.

Super-spacious (43 square metres/ 463 square feet) elegant suite on the Sun Deck. Designed forentertaining, the Owner's Suite has a separate living room with game and meeting area. A BOSE stereo system provides background music, or watch videos on the HD plasma TV. Sliding glass doors lead to a private deck. Refresh in the jetted bathtub in en suite facilities. Slumber in the King Size bed. A sofa bed can accommodate a third person.

Cruise rates are quoted per person and based on passengers sharing a cabin. Single supplement: 1.7 for Main Deck and Classic, Superior Suite; 2 for Deluxe, Premium and Owner's Suite.

Itinerary

Day 1: Reykjavík, Iceland

Welcome to Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland and starting point of our expedition. After arriving via scheduled commercial flight service, you are free to explore this fascinating city. Reykjavík is home to a wealth of cultural institutions including museums, galleries, and the Hallgrímskirkja church. Leisure possibilities inside the city include parks, gardens, and thermal baths. You can also take advantage of Reykjavík’s wide range of shopping possibilities, excellent dining options, and famous nightlife. Your hotel for the night has been arranged by us and is included in the price of the voyage.

Day 2: Embarkation in Reykjavík

In the afternoon we welcome you aboard the luxury expedition ship M/V Sea Spirit. Explore the ship and get comfortable in your home away from home for the extraordinary adventure to come. Savor the anticipation of your Arctic dreams coming true as we slip our moorings and sail out of the harbor.

Day 3-5: Exploration of Iceland

From Reykjavík we head northwest through the bay of Faxaflói, where it is possible to encounter our first whales. After rounding the dramatic Snæfellsnes peninsula we continue north through Breiðafjörður where seabirds nest on numerous islands. Continuing in a clockwise way around Iceland we encounter the scenic Vestfirðir (Westfjords) where deep fjords and rugged mountains create one of the country’s most scenic coastlines. After passing the wild Hornstrandir peninsula we head east through waters known for whales toward Tröllaskagi and the island of Grímsey.

Our exact route and exploration opportunities are dependent on the weather in this surprisingly wild part of Europe. Possible sites of exploration include:

Snæfellsnes – The famous Snæfellsjökull volcano and picturesque Kirkjufell mountain are dominant features in the impressive landscape of the Snæfellsnes peninsula. A rich cultural and literary history and the success of fishermen and merchants are evident in local fishing villages.

Flatey Island – The unassuming island of Flatey has a long and storied history as a cultural and artistic center and was even a hub of commerce with a huge population at one time. The island’s “old village” contains some beautifully restored old houses once belonging to these original inhabitants. Today the island is home mostly to various species of migratory bird, especially the puffin.

Látrabjarg – The impressive sea cliff of Látrabjarg is the summer breeding site for millions of seabirds including puffins, northern gannets, guillemots, and razorbills. At 14 kilometers long and up to 440 meters high, this is Europe’s largest bird cliff and a stunning monument of Nature.

Dynjandi – Located in Vestfirðir (Westfjords), these breathtaking waterfalls, also known as Fjallfoss, have a cumulative height of 100 meters. The thundering cataract can be appreciated from the shore or experienced more closely by hiking up along the river.

Siglufjörður – Situated in a narrow fjord on the mountainous Tröllaskagi (“Troll Peninsula”), Siglufjörður is a quiet fishing town with multicolored houses arranged around a pleasant harbor. The popular herring museum pays tribute to the town’s heyday during the herring boom of the 1940s and 1950s with excellent exhibits, reenactments, and tastings.

Grímsey – The small, green island of Grímsey, located 40 kilometers from the mainland, is the northernmost inhabited territory of Iceland. The Arctic Circle runs through the island. Attractions include a historical lighthouse and an old church constructed in 1867 mostly out of driftwood. Seabirds nest on the cliffs that make up almost all the island’s coastline.

Day 6-7: Across the Norwegian Sea

After our amazing time in Iceland we sail east toward Norway, crossing the Prime Meridian on the way. Our crossing of the Norwegian Sea—roughly along the Arctic Circle—coincides with the summer solstice. The sun will not set again for the duration of our voyage.Presentations and workshops, as well as our range of onboard recreation facilities, ensure that these days at sea are not idly spent. Seabird viewing and whale sightings can be enjoyed from panoramic open decks as well as exterior stateroom windows and balconies.

Day 8-11: Exploration of the Coast of Norway

We meet the coast of Norway just north of the Arctic Circle near Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park, home to the second largest glacier in mainland Norway. We then sail north through Vestfjorden toward the legendary islands of Lofoten. The amazing scenery does not end as we continue past the mountainous islands of Vesterålen, Senja, Ringsvassøy, and Sørøya. Finally we reach Nordkapp at the top of Norway.

Our exact route and exploration opportunities are dependent on the weather along this wild and sparsely-populated coast. Anticipated sites of exploration include:

Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park – The landscape in the western region of this gorgeous national park is dominated by verdant forests, high mountains, and glaciers. Our goal is the picturesque Engabreen glacier—an arm of the immense Svartisen glacier—situated on a pretty lake accessible via pleasant hiking path.

Lofoten – These famous islands are among the most scenic in the world. Nestled within the stunning scenery are small fishing villages and towns, such as Nusfjord and Leknes, where traditional character merges with contemporary charm. Scenic fjords such as Trollfjord showcase the islands’ wild side.

Tromsø – Historically significant yet attractively modern, Tromsø is major cultural hub distinguished by its centuries-old wooden houses. The Polar Museum reveals Tromsø’s past as a starting point for Arctic expeditions. The city’s architecturally impressive Arctic Cathedral is evocative of a giant iceberg. Altogether this port of call is an excellent primer for our northward explorations.

Hammerfest – Located on Kvaløya in the far northern county of Finnmark, this is one of the northernmost towns in the world. Hammerfest has a long history as a trading port and as a center of indigenous Sami culture. The island of Kvaløya is visited each summer by thousands of migrating reindeer.

Nordkapp – Situated on the island of Magerøya, the area of Nordkapp (“North Cape”) includes the northernmost point of land on the European continent. The famous Globe Monument is situated at the top of a cliff 300 meters above the sea. A modern visitor center houses a variety of facilities.

Day 12: Across the Barents Sea

From the top of Norway we head north through the Barents Sea toward Svalbard. On the way we encounter the small, remote island of Bjørnøya (“Bear Island”), the southernmost island in Svalbard. The island is so named because Dutch explorer Willem Barents saw a polar bear swimming nearby when he discovered the island in 1596. Welcome to the Arctic!

Day 13-14: Exploration of Svalbard

Svalbard is a true High Arctic wilderness and this part of the voyage is a real expedition. As such, our route and exploration opportunities here are heavily dependent on the weather and sea ice conditions we encounter. Our experienced captain and expedition leader decide the itinerary and continually adjust plans as conditions and opportunities warrant. You can be sure that the best possible advantage will be taken of the circumstances presented to us by Nature in this wild and remote corner of the Arctic.

Approaching Svalbard from the south, our first opportunities for exploration will be on the southwestern part of the island of Spitsbergen. We take in stunning views of glaciers and towering mountains on our starboard side as we proceed up the west coast of Spitsbergen toward Isfjorden and the town of Longyearbyen.

Polar bears and other quintessential Arctic wildlife can be spotted anytime, anywhere in and around Svalbard. Bountiful inshore and offshore waters are home to walrus and a wide variety of whales. The islands are alive with migratory birds, including numerous rare species, taking advantage of summer’s fecundity in 24-hour daylight.

We exploit every opportunity to experience excellent wildlife viewing, to discover incredible scenery, and to walk in the footsteps of the historic polar expeditions that came before us. Possible areas of exploration include:

Hornsund – One of the most scenic areas in Svalbard, the bay of Hornsund is surrounded by dramatic peaks and tidewater glaciers. At this time of year it is possible to spot polar bears hunting seals on sea ice that lingers in the recesses of the bay. The area is also historically significant, having been used in previous centuries by whalers, trappers, as well as scientific and exploratory expeditions.

Bellsund – The gently sloping tundra plains around Bellsund are rich with wildlife such as reindeer and nesting geese. Excellent walking opportunities abound in this classic Svalbard landscape. The eerie remains of historical whaling and trapping operations can still be seen throughout the area.

St. Jonsfjorden – At the head of this scenic fjord there is an impressive tidewater glacier. Here it is possible to witness the stunning spectacle of icebergs calving from the glacier face. These waters are home to seals and whales. Hikers have an opportunity to gain exceptional views over strongly glaciated terrain.

Alkhornet – The lush tundra slopes below the bird cliffs at Alkhornet in Isfjorden are home to grazing reindeer and playful Arctic fox. The sky and waters are full with seabirds coming and going. One can feel the living heartbeat of the Arctic in this place.

Day 15: Disembarkation in Longyearbyen, Svalbard

After breakfast we say farewell in the town of Longyearbyen, the administrative capital of the Norwegian territory of Svalbard. We provide a transfer to the airport or to the town center if you wish to spend more time here. In this case, be sure to see the excellent Svalbard Museum and take advantage of quality shopping and dining opportunities in this fascinating Arctic settlement.

Rates Include

1 pre-voyage night at Grand hotel;

Group transfer to the ship on day of embarkation;

Shipboard accommodation;

All meals on board throughout the voyage;

Tea and coffee station 24 hours daily;

All scheduled landings/excursions (subject to weather and ice conditions);

Emergency Evacuation Insurance to a maximum benefit of US 100,000 per person (for those 85 years of age and younger).

Rates Do Not Include

Airfare;

Visa and passport fees (if applicable);

Luggage and trip cancellation insurance;

Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages other than those for special events and celebrations;

Personal expenses such as laundry and telecommunication charges;

Staff gratuities.

Itinerary, landings and all other activities during the cruise depend strongly on ice and weather conditions and are subject to the decisions of the Expedition Leader and the Captain of the vessel. Encounters with any mentioned wildlife cannot be guaranteed.

Adventure options

The islands and fjords of the High Arctic closely guard some of the world’s most unique and magical sea kayaking opportunities. Experience calving glaciers in Svalbard, cathedral-like icebergs in Greenland, or labyrinthine expanses of sea ice in the Arctic Ocean, all from our sturdy and stealthy sea kayaks. Join us for an unscripted kayaking adventure as we explore rugged coastlines and remote waters that very few people have ever paddled.

Sea Kayak Club is typically offered on voyages that include High Arctic destinations such as Greenland, Svalbard (Spitsbergen), Franz Josef Land, or a combination of these thrilling places.

Free option

The Polar Regions are perhaps the most photogenic on earth, with countless beautiful scenes presenting themselves every day. Endless expanses of ice, beaches crowded with seals or penguins, sunsets over unbroken horizons, starlit skies, and even the majestic northern lights – they all present fantastic photographic opportunities – and in order to make sure that you come home with some spectacular images we offer you the chance to learn and practice your photography alongside an experienced professional.

Our expert Photographer will be on hand to answer your questions and give advice, both in the form of on-board lectures and workshops on shore. Explore the key elements of photography in a fun and relaxed setting, with plenty of opportunities for questions and feedback. Learn how to see light in a new way and experiment with the techniques of composition and framing.